Pressure mounts during the winter for NHS services and staff

The Scottish Executive's director of health service delivery, Peter Bates, said health boards were prepared for the added pressures of the season.

He said they had spent months putting systems in place to cope with the increased cases caused by the winter.

The colder months see a rise in flu patients and emergencies cases caused by the icy and wet conditions.

Mr Bates said service capacity and staffing and equipment levels had all been increased to cater for public demands.

'Remain vigilant'

Mr Bates said: "In recent years we have planned well and potential problems were handled with minimum impact on patients and the public.

"However, we have got to remain vigilant over the coming months.

"Good practice is being shared across the country to help ensure that everything that can be done to get ready for winter is done."

He pointed towards NHS Greater Glasgow as a prime example of such preparedness.

Board chiefs in the region have schemes in place designed to maintain routine operations when the system comes under pressure from the additional demands created by the colder months.

Extra capacity

For example, an additional bed manager is in place in south Glasgow to extend cover during times of peak activity while 30 additional geriatric orthopaedic beds have been put in place to free beds for planned surgery.

In Dumfries, additional medical and nursing staff have been brought in and 12 additional acute beds have been set aside by NHS Borders to address similar issues when they arise.

"We can't say that there won't be problems - we never can," added Mr Bates. "But everyone from frontline staff to senior management has been working hard to ensure the NHS works to deliver the best service it can to patients during the coming months."

Chief Medical Officer Dr Mac Armstrong also reminded the public that free flu jabs were still available despite some initial problems with the programme.

Free jabs

This year's vaccination campaign was launched on 4 October with everyone 65 and over, and those under 65 with chronic conditions such as bronchitis, diabetes or asthma, encouraged to take up the offer.

Dr Armstrong said: "It's still not too late to receive your flu jab.

"It's fair to say that there was some delay in the supply of vaccines to individual GP surgeries and pharmacies, but all supplies have now been delivered.

"Everyone eligible should now contact their GP practice and arrange to be immunised as soon as possible, if you haven't already done so, and healthcare workers should also be inoculated.